Pneumatic cylinder calculator

Choose the bore, type and stroke, then enter pressure and cycle rate. The calculator gives theoretical and usable force, the load ratio for your load, the maximum load and the free-air consumption, for standard bores to ISO 15552 and ISO 6432.

What it calculates

• Theoretical and usable push and pull force
• Load ratio for vertical lifting or horizontal sliding with friction
• Maximum load at the chosen load ratio
• Free air per cycle (Nl) and consumption in Nl/min for compressor sizing

Formulas

F_theo = p·A    [p bar × 0.1 = N/mm²]
A_push = π·D²/4    A_pull = π·(D² − d²)/4
F_usable = F_theo · η
Load ratio = F_required / F_theo   (dynamic: ≤ 0.5–0.7)
Free air per cycle [Nl] = (A_push + A_pull)·s · (p + 1.013)/1.013 / 10⁶
Q [Nl/min] = free air per cycle × cycles/min

Worked example

How to use it

1. Create a free account with Google or e-mail.
2. Open the calculator and enter your values; units can be metric or imperial.
3. Read the result with its formula and source, and export to PDF, DXF or CSV where available.

Frequently asked questions

What load ratio should I use?

About 0.5–0.7 for moving loads, so the cylinder has force left to accelerate; up to about 0.85 for slow or static clamping.

How do I calculate air consumption?

Swept volume of both strokes multiplied by the absolute pressure ratio (p + 1.013)/1.013, times the number of cycles per minute.

Which bores are standard?

ISO 15552 covers Ø32–320 mm, ISO 6432 the round mini cylinders Ø8–25 mm.

Guides

• Hydraulic cylinder force chartThe push force of a hydraulic cylinder is pressure times piston area.

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Results are engineering estimates for planning. They do not replace the applicable standard, a qualified procedure or a check by a qualified engineer.